2019
The total number of memberships last year were 142 which includes the eight life members. Overall the membership has decreased by 22 % from last year. While this can be contributed to the normal drop in sailing Association membership, it is also exacerbated by this generation reaching the age where they retire from sailing. Sadly, we have lost two of our life members this year. The only state associations that has come close to maintaining its membership is Victoria all the other states have lost significant numbers. I would suggest that the other states contact Victoria and find out their methods of maintaining or recruiting membership as a lack of membership numbers will soon become a significant factor in the running of the organisation. New South Wales has suffered the most losing 21 members and only gaining 5 new members, Victoria a similar sized Association has only lost 8 members over the financial year so it might be worth finding out if there is a reason for this statistic.
A few months ago we offered a membership discount on Facebook. The Facebook ad cost $33 and we did receive two new memberships quoting the special code, thus resulting in an income of $110. This ad did not lose money but some investigation might be needed to make it more effective in the future. Perhaps we could sell membership indirectly by promoting sailing events such as combined cruising events or race regattas.
Either way I do believe that membership numbers should be the focus of every State Association in the upcoming year. Either creating events that maintain membership or attracting new recruits to the Association. These events could be marketed on Facebook. I understand the availability of boats is a key factor in this regard but there has always been around 6 to 7 boats on sale on the website indicating there are boats available.
Specific details of membership and accounts can be seen in the AGM2019 ReportsP1.xls file available on the following web address https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wz6EpQwBu2Bf2ez9yolOSR5MLRvQPy2b/view?usp=sharing
Alan Scott Registrar